In a significant development in Mauritius, fifteen people have pleaded guilty to charges of violating the curfew and possessing arms. The cases were brought before the Intermediate Court on Thursday, October 29, 2026. A total of twenty individuals were formally charged, with four of them facing additional accusations of possessing arms. The cases involve incidents that occurred between October 13 and 18, 2026, in various locations including Plaine-Verte, Sainte-Croix, and Roche-Bois.
The first set of twelve defendants, aged between 18 and 53, pleaded guilty to curfew violations. Two of them, Jean Yvan Stewart Dieudonné and Jean Kema Mimi, also face charges of possessing offensive arms. Dieudonné was found with two screwdrivers and a key, while Mimi was in possession of a sharp weapon. The incidents occurred during a period when the country was under a curfew, with varying timings. The curfew was enforced from 8:30 PM to 5:00 AM on October 14 and 15, and from 10:00 PM to 4:30 AM from October 16 to 18.
The second set of eight defendants also pleaded guilty, with seven of them admitting to curfew violations. One defendant, Fazal Aseeradhy, was absent from the hearing. The cases involve incidents that occurred between October 13 and 17, 2026. A curfew was in effect in the country during this period, with different timings on different days. One of the defendants, Berty Axel Hansley Boncoeur, is accused of violating the curfew and possessing a sabre.
In a related case, Dhiyven Lofur, a 19-year-old from Baie-du-Tombeau, has been released on bail after fifteen days of detention. Lofur was arrested on October 13, 2026, and charged with taking part in a riot in Sainte-Croix. The court ruled that the police had not provided sufficient evidence to justify the risks of Lofur interfering with witnesses or tampering with evidence.
The court heard that Lofur was among a group of around fifty people who participated in the violence in Sainte-Croix on the night of October 12-13, 2026. Stones and explosives were thrown, and public property was damaged. The police claim to have identified Lofur as one of the individuals who threw stones at police officers. However, Lofur denies taking part in the riot, although he admits to being present at the scene.
As part of his bail conditions, Lofur must provide a Rs 25,000 bond and sign a Rs 100,000 recognizance. He is also required to adhere to a curfew from 9:30 PM to 5:00 AM and report to the police station every Sunday between 6:00 AM and 9:00 PM. The next hearing for the fifteen defendants who pleaded guilty will take place on November 3 and 4, 2026.
The incidents and subsequent court cases highlight the ongoing challenges in Mauritius, where authorities have been working to maintain law and order amid reports of unrest and violence. The cases also underscore the importance of the judiciary in ensuring that the rights of defendants are protected while also upholding the law.
Key points
- Fifteen individuals plead guilty to curfew violations and arms possession in Mauritius.
- Dhiyven Lofur, a 19-year-old, is released on bail after fifteen days of detention for his alleged role in a riot in Sainte-Croix.
- The cases involve incidents that occurred during a period of unrest in Mauritius, with authorities working to maintain law and order.
